Are you looking for an exciting and culturally enriching experience in Tbilisi? Look no further than the city's annual festivals! Tbilisi is home to a diverse range of festivals, from music to film to food, that offer something for everyone. Here are ten must-attend festivals in Tbilisi this year.
1. Tbilisi Jazz Festival
The Tbilisi Jazz Festival is a must-attend event for jazz enthusiasts. The festival has been running for over 40 years and attracts some of the biggest names in jazz from around the world. The festival takes place in October and features concerts, workshops, and masterclasses. The festival has been a staple of the Tbilisi music scene since 1978 and has hosted jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, and Wayne Shorter. The festival is held at the Tbilisi Concert Hall, which has a capacity of over 2,000 people.
2. Tbilisi International Film Festival
The Tbilisi International Film Festival is one of the most important film festivals in the Caucasus region. The festival showcases a diverse range of films from around the world and features screenings, workshops, and discussions with filmmakers. The festival takes place in December and attracts film enthusiasts from across the region. The festival has been running since 2000 and has become an important platform for Georgian and international filmmakers to showcase their work.
3. Tbilisi Open Air
Tbilisi Open Air is a music festival that takes place in the summer. The festival features a mix of local and international artists from a range of genres, including rock, electronic, and hip-hop. The festival is known for its lively atmosphere and attracts music fans from across the country. The festival takes place at the Lisi Wonderland, a picturesque park on the outskirts of Tbilisi. The festival has been running since 2009 and has hosted international acts such as The Prodigy, Placebo, and Franz Ferdinand.
4. Tbilisi Fashion Week
Tbilisi Fashion Week is a bi-annual event that showcases the latest fashion trends from Georgia and beyond. The event features runway shows, presentations, and exhibitions from some of the most exciting designers in the region. The festival takes place in May and November and has become an important platform for Georgian fashion designers to showcase their work to an international audience. The festival has been running since 2009 and has helped put Tbilisi on the map as a hub for fashion and design.
5. Tbilisi International Book Fair
The Tbilisi International Book Fair is a celebration of literature and publishing. The festival features book presentations, readings, and discussions with authors from Georgia and around the world. The festival takes place in May and attracts book lovers from across the country. The festival has been running since 1999 and has become an important platform for Georgian publishers and writers to showcase their work to an international audience.
6. Tbilisi Art Fair
The Tbilisi Art Fair is an annual event that showcases contemporary art from Georgia and beyond. The fair features exhibitions, talks, and workshops from some of the most exciting artists and galleries in the region. The festival takes place in May and has become an important platform for Georgian artists to showcase their work to an international audience. The festival has been running since 2018 and has helped put Tbilisi on the map as a hub for contemporary art.
7. Tbilisi Street Food Festival
The Tbilisi Street Food Festival is a celebration of Georgian cuisine and street food culture. The festival features food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and live music. The festival takes place in June and is a must-attend event for foodies. The festival has been running since 2015 and has become an important platform for Georgian street food vendors to showcase their culinary skills to an international audience.
8. Tbilisi Wine Festival
Georgia is known for its wine, and the Tbilisi Wine Festival is a celebration of this rich tradition. The festival features wine tastings, masterclasses, and live music. The festival takes place in October and is a must-attend event for wine lovers. The festival has been running since 2017 and has become an important platform for Georgian winemakers to showcase their products to an international audience.
9. Tbilisi International Theatre Festival
The Tbilisi International Theatre Festival is a celebration of theatre and performance art. The festival features performances from some of the most exciting theatre companies from around the world. The festival takes place in September and October and attracts theatre enthusiasts from across the country. The festival has been running since 2009 and has become an important platform for Georgian and international theatre companies to showcase their work to an international audience.
10. Tbilisi Silk Road Festival
The Tbilisi Silk Road Festival is a celebration of the historic Silk Road trade route that once passed through Georgia. The festival features music, dance, and cultural performances from countries along the Silk Road. The festival takes place in October and is a must-attend event for anyone interested in history and culture. The festival has been running since 2014 and has become an important platform for cultural exchange between Georgia and other countries along the Silk Road.
In conclusion, Tbilisi is a city that is rich in culture and history, and its festivals are a reflection of this. Whether you're a music lover, foodie, or history buff, there's a festival in Tbilisi that's perfect for you. So why not plan your trip to Tbilisi around one of these must-attend festivals? You won't be disappointed!